We will discuss Martin Luther's counsel in his 1527 letter "Whether One May Flee from a Deadly Plague" in light of our current situation.  

If possible, participants are encouraged to read the letter in its entirety either before or after our session.  You can find that here.

After reading selections of Luther's writing, this session's objective is to develop guidance on a proper Christian way to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Download the study guide here: Luther_the_Plague.pdf

The Reformation did not stop after Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses on October 31, 1517.  Five hundred years later, we commemorate the anniversary of the events that took place after 1517.  Today we look at the Heidelberg Disputation (1518), especially how the theology of the cross impacts our life today.

This session's objective is to apply the theology of the cross to a person who wonders where God is during the COVID-19 crisis. 

Download the study guide here: L1_Heidelberg_Disputation.pdf

The Reformation did not stop after Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses on October 31, 1517.  Five hundred years later, we commemorate the anniversary of the events that took place after 1517.  Today we look at the Leipzig Debate (1519), especially the role of authority in the church today.

This session's objective is to craft a response to the perennial question, "With so many churches, interpretations, and religious authorities out there, how do you know you're right?"

Download the study guide here: L2_Leipzig_Debate.pdf

The Reformation did not stop after Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses on October 31, 1517.  Five hundred years later, we commemorate the anniversary of the events that took place after 1517.  Today we look at the three influential manifestos, or treatises: To the German Nobility, On the Babylonian Captivity, and On the Freedom of the Christian (1520).

This session's objective is to develop some principles, based on Luther's writings, that Christians can use to guide their congregations through ministry changes.

Download the study guide here: L3_Manifestos.pdf

The Reformation did not stop after Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses on October 31, 1517.  Five hundred years later, we commemorate the anniversary of the events that took place after 1517.  Today we look at Luther's stand before Emperor Charles V at the Diet of Wörms (1521).

This session's objective is to craft a statement if one was ever threatened to retract their faith.

Download the study guide here: L4_Diet_of_Wo_rms.pdf

The Reformation did not stop after Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses on October 31, 1517.  Five hundred years later, we commemorate the anniversary of the events that took place after 1517.  Today we look at Luther's stay at the Wartburg Castle, where he translated the New Testament into German (1521-1522).

This session's objective is to personally consider whether we take for granted how available the Bible is in the English language.

Download the study guide here: L5_Wartburg.pdf

The Reformation did not stop after Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses on October 31, 1517.  Five hundred years later, we commemorate the anniversary of the events that took place after 1517.  Today we look at Luther's return from the Wartburg Castle and his Eight Sermons at Wittenberg that quelled the unrest and riots that were taking place during his absence (1522).

This session's objective is to plan how we, in light of what we learned, can guide a congregation through potential polarization as we reopen in-person worship.

Download the study guide here: L6_Preaching_at_Wittenberg.pdf

The Reformation did not stop after Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses on October 31, 1517.  Five hundred years later, we commemorate the anniversary of the events that took place after 1517.  Today we look at Luther's writings (the good and the bad) during the societal unrest of the Peasants' Revolt (1524-25).

This session's objective is develop lessons about how Christians ought to express themselves during the societal unrest regarding the recent events in Minneapolis.  Download the study guide here: L7_Peasants_Revolt.pdf

The Reformation did not stop after Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses on October 31, 1517.  Five hundred years later, we commemorate the anniversary of the events that took place after 1517.  Today we look at Luther's marriage to Katharina von Bora (1525) in light of his writing The Estate of Marriage (1522).

This session's objective is develop ways in which the church can uphold marriage today without neglecting single people.  Download the study guide here: L8_Marriage.pdf

The Reformation did not stop after Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses on October 31, 1517.  Five hundred years later, we commemorate the anniversary of the events that took place after 1517.  Today we look at Luther's debate with Erasmus of Rotterdam and his momental treatise The Bondage of the Will (1525).

This session's objective is answer the "so what" question: why we should care about deeper theological debates on free will and grace today.  Download the study guide here: L9_Erasmus.pdf

The Reformation did not stop after Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses on October 31, 1517.  Five hundred years later, we commemorate the anniversary of the events that took place after 1517.  Today we look at the Saxon Visitation and Luther's two catechisms (1528-1529).

This session's objective is develop ways we can further Christian education in our educated university environment of Ann Arbor.  Download the study guide here: L10_Saxon_Visitation.pdf.

The Reformation did not stop after Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses on October 31, 1517.  Five hundred years later, we commemorate the anniversary of the events that took place after 1517.  Today we look at the Marburg Colloquy and Luther & Zwingli's discussion on the Lord's Supper (1529).

This session's objective is determine whether the differences on the Lord's Supper are that divisive and that big of a deal.  Download the study guide here: L11_Marburg_Colloquy.pdf.

The Reformation did not stop after Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses on October 31, 1517.  Five hundred years later, we commemorate the anniversary of the events that took place after 1517.  Today we look at the Diet of Augsburg & the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession (1530).

This session's objective is brainstorm how more Lutherans can embrace their historic confessions of faith.  Download the study guide here: L12_Augsburg_Confession.pdf.